MORE than half of all household waste in Elmbridge is now being recycled since the introduction of a new bin collection scheme.

After just a few weeks of the new service, recycling rates have risen from 38% to 51%.

On October 5, general rubbish collections moved from weekly to fortnightly, with food scraps collected once a week and recyclables once every two weeks.

Around 40,000 homes received an outside food bin and smaller kitchen caddy as part of the new collection service.

A spokesman for the borough council said figures showed that in the final two weeks of October, residents recycled 176 tonnes of food together with 738 tonnes of other recycling, including garden waste – a record amount for Elmbridge.

Councillor Glenn Dearlove, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “The response from residents to the change in service has been absolutely fantastic.

"It’s great to see so many food bins out for collection each week, which is making a major difference to recycling levels and a real benefit to our environment.”

The council’s helpline had been busy offering advice and assistance to residents, he said.

“Veolia, our waste service provider, is working hard to sort out any teething troubles,” added Cllr Dearlove.

“As residents become more familiar with the service we’re hoping that recycling levels will continue to rise”.

Before launching the new system, the council tested food waste collection with 6,500 households.

The trial was considered successful and the decision was taken to extend it to all residents.

But Sue Kilpatrick, chairman of the Cobham and Downside Residents' Association, said the fortnightly collection of household waste posed problems for people with young children.

“I don’t have a problem, but people with young children who use nappies will have flies. They have the real problem,” she said.

Cllr Steve Wells, the Liberal Democrat ward member for Claygate, said residents seemed happy with the scheme.

He said: “There are teething problems for people living in flats and those who have young children, but special arrangements are being made and that’s working well.”

For advice and assistance on the changes, visit the council’s website at envcare@elmbridge.gov.uk.